House Tokyo by Unemori Architects

ByJon Dykstra Houses
House Tokyo by Unemori Architects

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Location: Tokyo, Japan
Principal Use: Private Residence
Site Area: 52.23 m2
Building Area: 26.91 m2
Total Floor Area: 51.33 m2
Structural Systems: Wood
Scale: 1 Basement and 1 Story
Completion: September 2019
Architecture & Furniture: UNEMORI ARCHITECTS
General Constructor: Fukazawa Corporation
Photo: Kai Nakamura

About Unemori Architects

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UNEMORI ARCHITECTS is an architectural office based in central Tokyo, Japan. Founded in 2009 by Japanese architect Hiroyuki Unemori, UNEMORI ARCHITECTS aims to create diverse and complex spaces of every scale, thereby developing architecture that is small and simple, yet big and complex at the same time. The ability to deal with projects of diverse scale is one of the major characteristics of UNEMORI ARCHITECTS’ work. Their projects are characterized by complex structural layouts while maintaining a simple form, with works ranging from private residences, public facilities, universities, libraries and playgrounds.

  • This is an interior view of the house showcasing the various wooden structures and the bright walls.
  • This is a full view of the dining area with a wooden dining table paired with a wooden bench on terracotta flooring tiles.
  • This is a closer look at the dining area and its wooden dining set. On the far side is the kitchen cabinetry with beige cabinets and dark counters that contrast the bright white wall.
  • The kitchen area of the house has a tall wooden beamed ceiling that has large transom windows and terracotta flooring tiles.
  • This is another look at the dining area of the house interior showcasing the built-in cushioned bench on the far side under the window.
  • The built-in cushioned bench under the window serves as a reading nook topped with a wooden beamed ceiling.
  • The bedroom has a bed with a black platform frame that contrasts the hardwood flooring and white walls topped with a wooden beamed ceiling.
  • This is a close look at the house's wash area with white cabinets and a large mirror and a door leading to the laundry area.
  • This is another look at the bedroom with its black bedframe and white walls that slide open to reveal other areas of the house.
  • This is an exterior view of the house showcasing the modern design of glass and tin walls.
  • This is a view of the dining area and kitchen area from the vantage of the lower level with a set of metal stairs leading up to the dining area.
  • This is the side of the bed that leads to the bathroom with a glass-enclosed shower area on one side and cabinets on the other.
  • This is the entry of the house with a set of glass sliding doors and terracotta flooring tiles as well as a set of metal stairs on the far side.
  • This is an exterior view of the house showcasing its glass and tin exteriors giving it a unique look.
  • This is an exterior view of the house showcasing the warm lighting that escapes through the large glass windows of the house.
  • This is a close look at the main entrance of the house with a set of double glass doors and view of the warm lighting of the interiors.
  • This is a view of the house during construction showcasing the wooden frames of the house.

The Japanese architectural office UNEMORI ARCHITECTS has completed an innovative, geometrically structured small house, called House Tokyo. Located in a densely populated area in central Tokyo, the private residence comprises a tiny footprint of just 26m2 and a total floor area of 51m2, showcasing an architectural paradigm for urban densification. Various ceiling heights and many openings and windows allow for a spacious experience in this compact small house. With House Tokyo, UNEMORI ARCHITECTS showcases its excellent ability of handling complex spaces of every scale.

Located in central Tokyo, House Tokyo was built on a tiny vacant spot in close proximity to the neighboring houses. Contacted by a couple who got hold of this land, UNEMORI ARCHITECTS was requested to build a house for two that would serve as a temporary city house. The architects reacted to the challenges posed by urban densification by developing a compact, yet spacious small house with a footprint of just 26m2 and a total floor area of 51m2 by making use of a suspended structure, an increased ceiling height and many large windows.

While each floor is assigned a function, the spaces are connected through open floor plans and offset levels which enlarge the space and counter the smallness of the house. Additionally, thanks to the suspended structure and exterior design of House Tokyo the air and daylight circulation was improved.

For House Tokyo UNEMORI ARCHITECTS realized a geometrically structured framework. The outer walls of the small house are partially set back, creating an increased exterior wall surface and different ceiling heights ranging from 1.9 meters to 4.7 meters.

The façade of the compact house is dominated by industrial corrugated iron, opened up by large windows. The framework of House Tokyo was built with wood which can still be seen in the interior design of the residence. Furthermore, by setting back the outer walls, a terrace area was created on the first floor.

House Tokyo is based on a simple floor plan with a semi-basement, a first floor and a terrace area. The bedroom and bathroom are located in the semi-basement which is illuminated with natural daylight. The open-plan kitchen and dining area were placed on the first floor where the spacious overhead area is dominated by the wood beams of the house’s framework

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Jon Dykstra
Jon Dykstra

Jon practiced law before launching his online publishing career, bringing analytical rigor to everything he builds. Home Stratosphere combines that precision with a lifelong obsession with residential design — architecture, interiors, landscape, and furniture.

His current focus is AI-driven design analysis, using artificial intelligence to study patterns in color, layout, and material choice across thousands of homes. His Personality Type Home Design Guide applies personality frameworks to interior aesthetics, helping readers design spaces that reflect how they actually think and live.

His favorite piece on the site is the 25 Most Popular Designs, is a daily-updated ranking of the top designs over the last 30 days, driven entirely by visitor activity. The feedback is invaluable for understanding what resonates most with readers. LinkedIn

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